Reconnecting a gas meter: sub-entry and disconnection due to debts

When moving to a new home, one of the first tasks is to restore the gas supply. If the previous tenant officially terminated the contract and the meter was disconnected as usual, it is necessary to arrange a sub-entry (conclude a new contract for an existing connection). Typically, this procedure costs about 50 euros and takes approximately 10-12 business days.

If the gas was disconnected due to the debt of the previous user, the procedure is different. In this case, you must first contact the supplier who disconnected the gas. If the debt is yours, you will have to pay it in full. If you are a new tenant and have no connection to the previous contract, you can arrange a sub-entry or change the account owner by confirming that you are not connected to the debt and providing documents certifying the right to use the property. In this case, there is no need to pay someone else's debt.

How to restore gas supply after disconnection

To use gas again, you must eliminate the cause of the disconnection. Most often, the supply is cut off for the following reasons:

• unpaid bills;
• identified safety violations or equipment malfunctions;
• termination of the contract by the previous tenant.

After eliminating the cause, you need to contact the gas supplier. It is he who forwards the request to the local distribution network operator, who sends a specialist for the actual connection.

Disconnection for non-payment

If the gas was disconnected due to debts, you must:

1. Pay all overdue bills in full, including penalties and disconnection costs.
2. Submit confirmation of payment to the supplier through your personal account, app, email, or other prescribed method.
3. After receiving the request, the operator is obliged to restore the gas supply within two working days.

If a modern electronic meter is installed, the connection can be made remotely, which significantly speeds up the process.

Disconnection for security reasons

If the gas supply was cut off due to a leak or other hazardous situation, you will need to:

1. Call a licensed professional to fix the problem.
2. Obtain documents confirming the system is in good working order and is leak-proof.
3. Submit these documents to the supplier to arrange reconnection.

Moving to a new home and sub-entry

If the apartment is connected to the gas network, but the gas is not supplied due to the termination of the previous tenant's contract, you must draw up a new contract with the selected supplier. This procedure is called subentro.

Reconnection deadlines

The deadlines are regulated by the Italian energy regulator ARERA.

After disconnection for debts or safety reasons

The gas supply must be restored within a maximum of two working days after the supplier receives the necessary documents. If you have an electronic meter, you can connect almost immediately.

When registering a sub-entry

The maximum period is 12 working days:

• up to 2 working days is given to the supplier to process the application;
• up to 10 working days - to the network operator to complete the connection.

Compensation for delays

If the established deadlines are missed, the consumer is automatically charged compensation:

• 35 euros - for a delay of up to twice the standard period;
• 70 euros - for a delay of up to three times the standard period;
• 105 euros - if the delay exceeds three times the standard.

Compensation is credited as a discount on the gas bill.

Cost of reconnection

The total cost is usually from 50 to 100 euros or more, not counting possible debt. All costs are included in the first bill after connection.

In case of disconnection for debts

Costs include:

• fixed payment to the network operator - 27.61 euros;
• for remote connection via an electronic meter - 13.80 euros;
• administrative costs of the supplier - usually from 20 to 40 euros.

In case of sub-entry

Usually paid:

• 30 euros to the network operator;
• 23 euros in the regulated market segment or from 20 to 45 euros in the free market;
• stamp duty of 16 euros (if applicable).

Equipment safety check

If the shutdown is due to a gas leak or a long period of system downtime, the operator is obliged to check the safety documentation. The cost of such a check is from 47 to 70 euros, depending on the power of the equipment.

What documents are needed

To register a subentre

You must provide:

• passport or other identification document;
• tax code (Codice Fiscale);
• PDR code (14-digit identifier of the gas supply point);
• contact information and bank account details for automatic payments (if necessary);
• documents confirming ownership or rental of housing.

For restoration after disconnection for debts

You will need:

• confirmation of payment of debt;
• customer number or PDR code;
• a completed payment notification form provided by the supplier.

To confirm the safety of the system

If the disconnection was associated with an accident or long-term downtime, the following are also required:

• Form H/40, completed by the consumer;
• Form I/40, completed and signed by a certified specialist, confirming the serviceability and tightness of the gas installation.

After providing all the necessary The operator will be able to reconnect the gas within the timeframes established by law.